Bengaluru: BMTC driver & conductor accused of taking bribe to return lost phone

Woman alleges bus driver and conductor demanded ₹1,000 to hand back her mobile; incident near Spice Garden sparks outrage on social media, Bengaluru Police respond to complaint.

A fresh controversy has erupted around Bengaluru’s public transport system after a woman accused BMTC staff of demanding money to return her lost mobile phone. The incident, which reportedly took place near Spice Garden, has raised serious questions about safety, ethics and accountability in public services.

According to the woman, identified as Likhita, the incident occurred on Tuesday morning around 10 am. She was travelling in a BMTC bus when she accidentally left her mobile phone behind while getting down. Realising the loss, she panicked and tried to trace the phone.

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Likhita later found out that the bus conductor had possession of the phone. However, instead of returning it, the bus driver and conductor allegedly demanded ₹1,000 in exchange for handing it back. She claimed they clearly told her that the phone would not be returned unless the money was paid.

The woman further alleged that she was forced to pay ₹500 in cash and ₹500 via PhonePe. Only after the payment was made did the driver and conductor return her mobile phone, she said.

Disturbed by the incident, Likhita took to X to share her experience, questioning the conduct of those meant to serve the public. In her post, she asked whether this was what “Brand Bengaluru” stood for, directly referring to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. She also criticised the lack of safety, stating that even in the morning hours, she felt helpless while trying to retrieve her phone.

Likhita tagged Bengaluru Police in her tweet and lodged a complaint online. The post quickly gained attention, triggering public outrage. Bengaluru Police responded to her tweet, acknowledging the complaint and assuring action.

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